Rapidly closing in on a year of Pitstop for Country’s existence, I’ve been recalling some of the artists that stood out to me the most. I always forget just how invested I am from so far away when talking to some local New England Texas country fans. Sure, they know the Cody Johnsons, Aaron Watsons, Casey Donahews and Josh Abbotts, but when it comes to smaller artists, many have no idea. I take that for granted because I enjoy so many of these up and comers, and seeing them work to create a fan base from next to nothing is incredible. It’s exactly what I am trying to do, so there is a lot of relate to. Texas has been home to some very talented female artists, and Kensie Coppin is one that you should be keeping tabs on.

​If you take a look at Coppin’s social media, you’ll notice that she has caught the attention of some Nashville folks, resulting in numerous visits to co-write. While I live in the Texas land of music most of the time, Nashville is not all about bro-country. Yes, mainstream radio is largely filled with the type of music I choose not to listen to, but don’t be so quick to dismiss Nashville. Many of your favorite Texas artists record their albums and have teams based out of Nashville. It’s not all beer and tailgates there and if you follow along here, you’ll see artists like Scooter Brown, James Dupre, and James Carothers call Nashville home. It’s what the artists decide to do there and who they partner with that should define them, not being tied to Nashville.

That makes it all the more beneficial for an artist like Coppin to visit Nashville from time to time. Life is all about connections and building a base - something very crucial to an artists career. Since following Kensie, I have observed that more attention has headed her way as of late. I recall reading a post by a gentleman who noticed her passionately playing and commented how she will be someone to keep an eye on. I couldn’t agree more.

In Texas,many of the artists do not have full band shows every night. There are far more acoustic shows than I think listeners realize. I’m sure as a performer it is not always the most exciting playing at some of these smaller venues to some people that may or may not be listening. But for those that are paying attention, it’s a crucial connection. Just like the man who noticed Kensie playing her heart out. That’s what people remember and can lead to the larger venues with a full band. You have to start somewhere, make connections, and keep the momentum and name recognition coming.

Her 2016 self titled EP left me craving more new music from her and appreciating her traditional leaning sound. Fiddle heavy and containing just enough twang, Kensie’s style lays the foundation as being an artists who isn’t afraid to add her own touches while still keep her boots firmly planted in real country. All one needs to do is fire up her duet with William Clark Green, Why You Still Need Me to hear just the amount of talent she has. WCG’s smoky vocals are a great pairing to Coppin’s warm, powerful voice.

The songs that really pull me in those that have that upbeat flair, such as Lie To Me - a song inspired by a previous unhealthy relationship. It’s those experiences that can inspire an artist to put pen to paper and create a song that listeners can relate to. The feeling of knowing it’s time to get out away from a toxic relationship, yet holding out in hopes of him saying he really needs you is just a heartache in the making.

I think 2018 is going to hold a lot of growth professionally for Kensie Coppin as fans of country continue to show their support for the independent artists. She’s got the work ethic and the ability to relate with her fans, which are two of the most important pieces of growing ones music career.